Warning: spoilers ahead for Devil's Reign #2 and Amazing Spider-Man #84!
Marvel Comics' latest redesign for new bodies along with new costumes, he's always reverted back to his awful bowl-cut, comical glasses, and often a green and yellow jumpsuit. However, the new Devil's Reign event has given Doc Ock a modernized look that is quite impressive, finally making him look as cool as he's always deserved to be.
Otto Octavius is currently being featured in two ongoing comic stories, both in the Devil's Reign event as well as in the ongoing Amazing Spider-Man series. While Peter Parker may be out of commission recovering in the hospital, his clone Ben Reilly has taken over as the new Spider-Man, working for the Beyond Corporation. However, seeing as how Beyond took over several of Octavius' assets when he created Parker Industries while in Peter's body as the Superior Spider-Man, Doc Ock is looking to take back what's his in the new Amazing Spider-Man #84 from Cody Ziglar and Paco Medina. However, while he may have a new white suit in its exciting cover art, he is depicted in a dated look that makes him feel like less of a threat to the hero.
In contrast, Octavius has been recruited by the Kingpin in Marvel's Devil's Reign, becoming one of his new Thunderbolts while also being granted access to Mr. Fantastic's lab for his efforts. Furthermore, Doc Ock has been given a new design from artist Marco Checchetto, looking much more modern and intimidating. Gone is the bowl-cut, replaced with a buzz along with sleeker green-tinted glasses to match his equally impressive arms. The brown trench coat he's worn on occasion returns, covering a more armored look rather than the green and yellow jumpsuit. As a result, this new Doc Ock design looks much more intimidating and capable, with far less sense that Marvel's heroes are guaranteed to overcome whatever Octavius throws at them.
As previously mentioned, Doc Ock has had redesigns before that sadly didn't stick around. While this is most likely due to them being quite drastic (thus separating the character from past appearances and merchandise), this new design from Checchetto only serves to make Octavius more modern (and downright cool) while still keeping the core of his depiction. An overhaul such as this one is something the character has long needed on the visual level, as the comics consistently depict Doctor Octopus as a credible threat to those who oppose him while hewing close to a visual design that doesn't deliver on this idea.
Doctor Octopus' classic look is iconic and beloved by many fans, but it would be better suited to flashbacks and odd appearances. Checchetto's design elevates Doc Ock into the modern era while keeping what already made him so unique. While time will tell if this new look sticks around for the Spider-Man villain after Devil's Reign, Doctor Octopus fans will surely have their fingers crossed this is the case.
